Citizens Statement against State Repression in Koodankulam

The Police in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu has registered cases against peaceful protesters agitating against the Koodankulam Nuclear power Project. 3,015 persons have been charged under several sections, including 121 (waging war against country) and 124-A (sedition).

The Koodankulam movement has been one of the most nonviolent struggles in the recent past. In a recent meeting with the Central Government’s Expert Panel, the movement representatives have demanded relevant documents and have asked a number of questions pertaining to safety and viability of the project and its impact on environment and people’s livelihoods.

Instead of heeding people’s concerns, the government has resorted to slander – with accusations such as presence of `foreign hand’ and has also tried to give the issue a communal colour. The recent sedition charges are altogether a new level of repression on a democratic and peaceful movement.

We demand that these cases are immediately withdrawn and the ongoing process of consulting people be carried out in a democratic and transparent manner.